This 66 foot bridge was orginally built in 1914 south of Lincoln City, OR a mile and a half from the coast. It was considered the oldest remaining covered bridge still in service until it was replaced by a modern roadway in the mid-60's. It was maintained by Lincoln County as a historical monument to the early pioneers of the area but time and weather took it's toll forcing the bridge to be closed to pedistrian traffic in 1988. The bridge was disassembled in 1997 and moved to a site eight miles north on private land owned by the Sweitz family in 2000. The bridge now spans Bear Creek. The family deeded a permanent public easement for heritage purposes for all time.
For me this was an unusual bridge trip because I wasn't on my motorcycle. Plus the trip was made in the middle of winter. I don't usually take bridge advetures this time of year but I was in the area with the family and decided to take advantage of the opportunity. The roads to the bridge are in reasonable condition - the lack of a road maintanence budget on the highway is beginning to show but I didn't observe any problems worth noting other than the random pothole here and there. The Sweitz family did an excellent job putting together a nice presentation around the bridge with a mini-park to enjoy. There are picnic tables off to the side of the bridge so weather permitting, I would very much recommend stopping for a snack to enjoy the bridge. And sign the guest book (which I forgot to do) inside the bridge.
Located at:
Latitude: 44°59'35.1"N, Longitude: 123°53'11.2"W
(North of Lincoln City on Highway 18)
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